Missouri issues driver's licenses through the Department of Revenue, and you must visit a Driver License Office in person to explore

You cannot get a Missouri driver's license by mail or online. The state requires you to appear at one of the Department of Revenue's Driver License Offices to submit your process, provide identification documents, pass a vision test, and have your photo taken. There are 43 Driver License Offices across Missouri, located in most counties and major cities.

The closest office to you depends on where you live. You can visit any Driver License Office in the state — you are not required to go to the one in your county, though most people do for convenience. Each office handles the same types of applications and uses the same requirements.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Driver License Office in person; there is no online or mail-in option for a new Missouri driver's license.
  • Missouri has 43 Driver License Offices statewide, and you can visit any location regardless of where you live.
  • You will need proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Missouri residency before you go.
  • Bring your completed process form (DL 43) or fill it out at the office, and be prepared to pay the fee at the time of your visit.
  • Wait times vary by location and time of day; visiting early in the morning or on weekday afternoons often means shorter lines.

Finding the Driver License Office nearest you

The Missouri Department of Revenue website has a searchable map and list of all 43 Driver License Offices. You can search by county name or city to find the address, phone number, and hours of operation for the office closest to you. Some offices are open Monday through Friday only, while others have limited Saturday hours.

Call ahead if you want to confirm current hours or ask about wait times. Many offices post estimated wait times on their websites or social media pages, especially during busy seasons. If you live in a rural area far from any office, you may want to plan a trip that combines the visit with other errands.

Documents you need to bring

Missouri requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of Missouri residency. You do not need all three from the same source — you can mix and match as long as you have one document from each category.

For proof of identity, bring a valid U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, or a state ID from another state. For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a pay stub with your full Social Security number on it. For proof of residency, bring a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, or a government document (such as a tax return) dated within the last 60 days and showing your current Missouri address.

Bring the originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted. If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, bring the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) along with your other documents.

The process form and fees

The process form is called the DL 43. You can read and print it before you go, or you can fill it out at the Driver License Office. Filling it out ahead of time can speed up your visit, especially if the office is busy.

The fee for a four-year driver's license is $25.50. The fee for a six-year license is $38.50. You pay at the time of your visit, and Missouri accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card. If you are 65 or older, the fee is lower — $12.50 for a four-year license and $19.25 for a six-year license.

What happens during your visit

When you arrive, you will check in and submit your process form and documents. A staff member will review your documents to make sure they meet the requirements. If anything is missing or unclear, they will tell you what you need to bring back.

If your documents are in order, you will take a vision test. You will read letters or numbers on a chart from a set distance. If you wear glasses or contacts, you can wear them during the test. If you fail the vision test, you will not be issued a license until you pass.

Next, you will have your photo taken. Dress neatly and avoid wearing sunglasses, hats, or items that cover your face. The photo will appear on your license, so it will be used for identification for years.

Finally, you will pay the fee and receive a temporary paper license that is valid for 30 days while your plastic card is being made. Your permanent license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Wait times and how to minimize them

Wait times at Driver License Offices vary widely depending on the location, the day of the week, and the time of day. Urban offices tend to be busier than rural ones. Mondays and Fridays are typically the busiest days, while Tuesday through Thursday afternoons are often quieter.

Arriving early in the morning — within the first hour the office opens — usually means a shorter wait. Some offices open at 8 a.m. or earlier. If you cannot go early, try going on a Wednesday or Thursday afternoon. Avoid lunch hours if possible, as many people visit during their breaks.

Some Driver License Offices now offer online appointment scheduling. Check the Missouri Department of Revenue website to see if the office you plan to visit has this option. Scheduling an appointment does not eliminate the wait, but it can reduce it.

What to do if you cannot visit in person

If you have a medical condition or disability that makes it difficult to visit an office, you can request a home visit. Contact the Driver License Office in your county to ask about this option. The state may send an examiner to your home to conduct the vision test and take your photo, though you will still need to submit your documents and pay the fee.

If you are unable to visit a Driver License Office for another reason, there is no alternative way to get a Missouri driver's license. You must appear in person at some point. If you are out of state temporarily, you can wait until you return to Missouri to explore.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I go to any Driver License Office or do I have to go to the one in my county?

You can visit any of the 43 Driver License Offices in Missouri, regardless of where you live or which county you are in. You do not have to go to your home county office. Choose whichever location is most convenient for you.

How long does it take to get a Missouri driver's license after my visit?

You receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days on the day of your visit. Your permanent plastic license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you do not receive it within two weeks, contact the Driver License Office to check the status.

What if I lost or forgot one of my required documents?

You cannot get a license without all three categories of documents (identity, Social Security number, and residency). If you forgot a document, you will need to go home and get it, then return to the office. If you lost a document, you may be able to get a replacement — for example, a new birth certificate from the vital records office or a new Social Security card from the Social Security Administration.

Do I need an appointment to visit a Driver License Office?

Appointments are not required at most Missouri Driver License Offices, but some locations now offer online scheduling. Check the Missouri Department of Revenue website for your local office to see if appointments are available. Walk-ins are accepted at all offices.

What if I fail the vision test?

If you fail the vision test, you cannot be issued a license that day. You will need to see an eye doctor, get corrective lenses if needed, and return to the office to take the test again. Bring your glasses or contacts with you when you return.